U.S. patent number 7,864,203 [Application Number 11/224,766] was granted by the patent office on 2011-01-04 for system, method and computer program product for adjusting a display device viewing experience.
This patent grant is currently assigned to NVIDIA Corporation. Invention is credited to David Lee Eng, Andrew C. Fear, Jennifer R. Ramos.
United States Patent |
7,864,203 |
Fear , et al. |
January 4, 2011 |
System, method and computer program product for adjusting a display
device viewing experience
Abstract
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for
adjusting a viewing experience associated with a display device.
During use, a user interface capable of being used for adjusting
the viewing experience associated with the display device is
automatically displayed, in response to an event that potentially
affects the viewing experience associated with the display
device.
Inventors: |
Fear; Andrew C. (Campbell,
CA), Ramos; Jennifer R. (Danville, CA), Eng; David
Lee (San Jose, CA) |
Assignee: |
NVIDIA Corporation (Santa
Clara, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
43384990 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/224,766 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/698; 345/428;
715/718; 725/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09G
5/003 (20130101); G09G 5/363 (20130101); G09G
2354/00 (20130101); G09G 2320/08 (20130101); G09G
2310/0232 (20130101); G09G 2330/026 (20130101); G09G
2340/0464 (20130101); G09G 2340/0407 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G09G
5/02 (20060101); G06F 3/00 (20060101); G06T
17/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;345/204,698,699,428
;725/37-61 ;715/718,744-746 ;348/181 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
www.computerhope.com definitions of h-sync and v-sync published in
2001 per the web archive (web.archive.org). cited by examiner .
"Vesa Standard Summaries"
http://www.vesa.org/Standards/summaries.htm. cited by other .
"Advanced Timing and CEA/EIA-861B Timings"
http://www.nvidia.com/object/advanced.sub.--timings.html. cited by
other.
|
Primary Examiner: Awad; Amr
Assistant Examiner: Cerullo; Liliana
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Zilka-Kotab, PC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method, comprising: in automatic response to an event that
potentially affects a viewing experience associated with a display
device: automatically displaying a user interface capable of being
used for adjusting the viewing experience associated with the
display device; wherein the viewing experience is adjusted by
adjusting a timing of a signal representative of a display image
displayed on the display device; wherein the timing is adjusted
manually by manipulating a set of adjustment icons provided on the
user interface and selecting a save icon provided on the user
interface operable to save the adjustment of the viewing
experience; wherein the adjusting results in an insertion of a
plurality of pixels along a border of the display image, and the
user interface is adjusted until corner arrows of the user
interface, separate from the set of adjustment icons, are visible
and coincide with corner edges of a visible screen of the display
device, wherein the set of adjustment icons includes a set of
slider bars and timing is adjusted manually by manipulating the set
of slider bars, such that insertion of a plurality of pixels along
an upper and lower border of the display image occurs in response
to sliding a first one of the slider bars in a first direction, and
insertion of a plurality of pixels along a left and right border of
the display image occurs in response to sliding a second one of the
slider bars in a second direction.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein a visibility of the display image
is increased by depicting the border of the display image within a
bezel of the display device.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the border includes a left border
and a right border.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein an under-scan amount is selected
in order to insert a black area around the border of the display
image.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein at an under-scan amount of 7%, 90
black pixels are inserted on a left and right edge of the display
image, and 50 black pixels are inserted on a top and bottom of the
display image.
6. A computer program product embodied on a tangible computer
readable medium, comprising: computer code for automatically
displaying a user interface capable of being used for adjusting a
viewing experience associated with a display device, in automatic
response to an event that potentially affects the viewing
experience associated with the display device; wherein the computer
program product is operable such that the viewing experience is
adjusted by adjusting a timing of a signal representative of a
display image displayed on the display device; wherein the computer
program product is operable such that the timing is adjusted
manually by manipulating a set of adjustment icons provided on the
user interface and selecting a save icon provided on the user
interface operable to save the adjustment of the viewing
experience; wherein the computer program product is operable such
that the adjusting results in an insertion of a plurality of pixels
along a border of the display image, and the user interface is
adjusted until corner arrows of the user interface, separate from
the set of adjustment icons, are visible and coincide with corner
edges of a visible screen of the display device, wherein the set of
adjustment icons includes a set of slider bars and timing is
adjusted manually by manipulating the set of slider bars, such that
insertion of a plurality of pixels along an upper and lower border
of the display image occurs in response to sliding a first one of
the slider bars in a first direction, and insertion of a plurality
of pixels along a left and right border of the display image occurs
in response to sliding a second one of the slider bars in a second
direction.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to display devices, and more
particularly to calibrating display images displayed on display
devices.
BACKGROUND
Recently, many high-definition television (HDTV) displays have come
to market with support for HDTV using standard television-type
timings [e.g. Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)-861B, etc.]
for providing standard resolution and refresh rates that are
commonly used by consumer electronic devices. In contrast, general
computers are typically equipped with computer monitor-type timings
[e.g. Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), etc.].
While computer monitor-type timings typically depict display images
directly to the edge of the associated computer monitor screen
bezel, standard television-type timings conventionally "over-scan"
and cut off peripheral information. Such over-scanning and related
side effects are typically acceptable in standard television (e.g.
HDTV) environments, since such hidden/discarded information usually
includes Line 21 information, sub-picture streaming data, metadata,
etc which is not visible.
However, when a computer system is used to drive a television
supporting television-type timings, a display image (e.g. operating
system interface, etc.) is typically only partially depicted. This
may be particularly problematic in a situation where operating
system interface controls (e.g. a start icon, etc.) are situated
adjacent to a periphery of the display image, which is cut off.
While operating system and software-controlled display device
parameters may be adjusted for correcting the forgoing over-scan
problem, it is often difficult for the user to identify the
necessary user interface for facilitating such correction. Worse
yet, such user interface may not even be accessible due to the
aforementioned hidden operating system interface controls, etc.
There is thus a need for overcoming these and/or other problems
associated with various events that degrade a viewing experience
associated with a display device.
SUMMARY
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for
adjusting a viewing experience associated with a display device.
During use, a user interface capable of being used for adjusting
the viewing experience associated with the display device is
automatically displayed, in response to an event that potentially
affects the viewing experience associated with the display device.
In one optional embodiment, the viewing experience may be adjusted
via remote control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computer, in accordance with one
embodiment.
FIG. 2 shows a method for adjusting a viewing experience associated
with a display device, in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 3A illustrates a user interface for adjusting a viewing
experience associated with a display device, in accordance with one
embodiment.
FIGS. 3B-1 illustrates another user interface for adjusting a
viewing experience associated with a display device, in accordance
with another embodiment which utilizes slider bars for adjustment
purposes.
FIGS. 3B-2 illustrates a user interface similar to that of FIGS.
3B-1, after the slider bars have been used to adjust the viewing
experience associated with the display device.
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for adjusting a viewing
experience associated with a display device utilizing a user
interface, in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 5 shows a display image with a portion thereof between cut off
due to the fact that the under-scanned display image extends beyond
a bezel of the display device, in accordance with one
embodiment
FIG. 6 shows the display image of FIG. 5 with the previously cut
off portion now visible, by adjusting a timing associated with the
display image so that additional pixels reside between the bezel
and an edge of the display image.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computer 100, in accordance with
one embodiment. As shown, the computer 100 is provided including at
least one processor 102 which is connected to a communication bus
101. The computer 100 also includes a main memory 104. Control code
(software) and data are stored in the main memory 104 which may
take the form of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory
(ROM), and/or any other desired memory capable of storage.
The computer 100 also includes a graphics processor 106 and a
display device 108. In one embodiment, the graphics processor 106
may include a transform module, a lighting module, and a
rasterization module. Each of the foregoing modules may even be
situated on a single semiconductor platform to form a graphics
processing unit (GPU), as an option.
Further, the display device 108 may either be integral with or
separate from the remaining components disclosed herein. While the
display device 108 is shown to be in direct communication with the
remaining illustrated components via a communication bus 101
(without a network, etc. therebetween), it should be noted that, in
other embodiments, the display device 108 may remain in
communication with the remaining components via any desired network
[e.g. a local area network (LAN), Ethernet, the Internet, etc.].
This may, for example, be accomplished utilizing a digital media
adapter (DMA), or any other desired device. In one embodiment, the
display device 108 may include a high-definition television (HDTV).
Of course, other display devices 108 are contemplated such as
computer monitors, low-definition television, liquid crystal
displays (LCDs), plasma displays, projectors, and/or any other
device capable of displaying output.
The computer 100 may also include a secondary storage 110. The
secondary storage 110 includes, for example, a hard disk drive
and/or a removable storage drive, representing a floppy disk drive,
a magnetic tape drive, a compact disk drive, a digital video disk
(DVD) drive, etc. The removable storage drive reads from and/or
writes to a removable storage unit in a well known manner.
For reasons that will soon become apparent, an input/output (I/O)
interface 112 may further communicate with the bus 101 for
providing communication with any desired I/O device. For example,
the I/O interface 112 may permit communication with a remote
control 114. In use, the remote control 114 may be adapted for
providing input signals to the remaining components via the I/O
interface 112 and bus 101. For example, in an embodiment where a
media remote control 114 is provided, the remote control 114 may be
equipped with keys 116 including a plurality of directional keys
and a select key for reasons that will soon become apparent.
While not shown, a network adapter (not shown) may be coupled to
the remaining components via the bus 101. In use, such network
adapter may be capable of facilitating communication via a network.
Such network, for example, may include a telecommunications
network, a local area network (LAN), a wireless network, a wide
area network (WAN) such as the Internet, or any type of network for
that matter.
Computer programs, or computer code, may be stored in the main
memory 104 and/or the secondary storage 110. Such computer
programs, when executed, enable the computer 100 to perform various
functions. Memory 104, storage 110 and/or any other storage are
possible examples of computer-readable media.
In various embodiments, the computer 100 may take the form of a
circuit board system, a game console system dedicated for
entertainment purposes, a desktop computer, a lap-top computer, a
hand-held computer, a personal video recorder (PVR), a home
entertainment system, an application-specific system, and/or any
other desired system for that matter.
FIG. 2 shows a method 200 for adjusting a viewing experience
associated with a display device, in accordance with one
embodiment. As an option, the present method 200 may be implemented
in the context of the architecture and environment of FIG. 1. For
example, the present method 200 may be carried out by computer code
executed utilizing the processor 102 of FIG. 1. Of course, however,
the method 200 may be implemented in any desired environment.
In operation 202, an event that potentially affects a viewing
experience associated with a display device (e.g. see, for example,
the display device 108 of FIG. 1, etc.) is detected. In the context
of the present description, such viewing experience may include any
aspect associated with the display device that is perceptible by a
human user. Just by way of example, the viewing experience may
involve a visibility, size, brightness, contrast, resolution,
position, color, horizontal/vertical shifting, sharpness, scaling,
phase, and/or any other aspect associated with display device.
Further in the context of the present description, the event may
include any event that degrades the viewing experience associated
with the display device. For example, the event may include a first
boot-up of an operating system, which may result in various
operating system interface controls being inaccessible. This
inaccessibility may occur when an HDTV (which typically displays a
display image utilizing a particular timing) is connected to a
computer (which typically displays a display image on a display
device utilizing a different timing). As mentioned earlier, such
difference in timing may result in a portion of the display image
being cut off using the HDTV. Thus, in the present example, the
relevant aspect of the viewing experience that is degraded may
include the visibility of the resultant display image.
As yet another example, the event may include a first communication
with the display device (even after a first boot-up of an
associated operating system), etc. Such first communication with
the display device may occur when a display device is used for the
first time (i.e. when a new display device is purchased for a
computer, etc.).
Still yet, the present event may occur when a user toggles the
display device out so that the display image is depicted utilizing
a different display device. For example, this may happen in a
dual-display environment such as when a user utilizes a computer
(e.g. laptop, etc.) to drive a projector or the like. Of course, in
the present example, any event is contemplated where the optimal
resolution of the display device is different than a default
setting. Thus, in the present embodiment, the relevant aspect of
the viewing experience that is degraded may include the resolution
of the resultant display image.
Again, the present examples are set forth for illustrative purposes
only and should not be construed as limiting in any manner, as the
event may include any event that degrades a viewing experience
associated with the display device.
In response to the foregoing event that potentially affects the
viewing experience associated with the display device, a user
interface is automatically displayed. Note operation 204. Such user
interface is capable of being used for adjusting the viewing
experience associated with the display device. In the context of
the present description, such adjustment may include any automatic
and/or manual adjustment of any aspect (or even multiple aspects)
associated with the display device that is perceptible by a human
user, for the purpose of optimizing (or even further degrading, if
desired) the viewing experience.
It should be noted that any desired hardware and/or software-based
technique may be used to automatically display the user interface.
In the context of the foregoing example where the event includes a
first boot-up of an operating system, an application associated
with the user interface may be listed as one of those which are to
be automatically executed at the first boot-up of the operating
system. To this end, the viewing experience may be immediately
adjusted by adjusting the timing of a signal representative of the
display image depicted on the display device. More exemplary
information regarding such timing adjustment and associated user
interface will be set forth in greater detail during reference to
subsequent figures.
Further, in the context of the earlier example where the event
includes a first communication with the display device, an
operating system may monitor any new connection with a display
device. Of course, any mechanical and/or software may be utilized
for detecting such condition.
Even still, in the context of the example where the event involves
a user toggling the display device out, an operating system may
detect the selection of a new display device (e.g. projector,
etc.). This may be accomplished by monitoring an associated
operating system control panel and/or even a mechanical switch or
the like situated on a computer keyboard, etc.
Thus, a user may be automatically provided with a user interface
capable of being used to remedy a degradation of a viewing
experience. More illustrative information will now be set forth
regarding various optional features with which the foregoing
technique may or may not be implemented, per the desires of the
user. It should be strongly noted that the following information is
set forth for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as
limiting in any manner. Any of the following features may be
optionally incorporated with or without the exclusion of other
features described.
FIGS. 3A, 3B-1, and 3B-2 show user interfaces 300A, 300B-1, 300B-2,
respectively, for adjusting a viewing experience associated with a
display device, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option,
the present user interfaces 300A, 300B-1, 300B-2 may be implemented
in the context of the architecture and environment of FIGS. 1
and/or 2. For example, the present user interfaces 300A, 300B-1,
300B-2 may be displayed in the context of operation 204 of FIG. 2.
Of course, however, the user interfaces 300A, 300B-1, 300B-2 may be
implemented in any desired environment.
Further, the following description of the user interfaces 300A,
300B-1, 300B-2 will be set forth in relation to the aforementioned
example, where the viewing experience is adjusted by adjusting the
timing of a signal representative of the display image depicted on
the display device. However, it is contemplated that the various
features set forth hereinbelow are equally applicable to the
adjustment of other aspects of the viewing experience.
As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B-1, and 3B-2, each of the user interfaces
300A, 300B-1, 300B-2 is equipped with a pair of adjustment icons
302A, 304A, 302B-1, 304B-1, 302B-2, 304B-2. In the user interface
300A of FIG. 3A, the adjustment icons 302A, 304A may be used to
adjust the timing of the signal representative of the display image
depicted on the display device. Using the adjustment icon 304A,
such adjusting may result in the insertion of a plurality of pixels
310A (e.g. black area, etc.) along a border of the display image.
Of course, if too many of the pixels 310A are inserted, some may be
removed using the adjustment icon 302A. To this end, a visibility
of the display image may be increased by depicting a border of the
display image within a bezel of the display device.
Similarly, in the user interfaces 300B-1, 300B-2 of FIGS. 3B-1 and
3B-2, the adjustment icons 302B-1, 302B-2, 304B-1, 304B-2 may also
be used to adjust the timing of the signal representative of the
display image depicted on the display device. However, using the
adjustment icons 302B-1, 302B-2, such adjusting may result in the
insertion of a plurality of pixels 310B-1, 310B-2 along an upper
and lower border of the display image by sliding the bar down (to
insert pixels) and up (to remove pixels). Further, using the
adjustment icons 304B-1, 304B-2, the adjusting may result in the
insertion of a plurality of pixels 310B-1, 310B-2 along a left and
right border of the display image by sliding the bar left (to
insert pixels) and right (to remove pixels).
Once a desired adjustment has been obtained, a save icon 306A,
306B-1, 306B-2 may be selected to make the adjusted viewing
experience permanent (at least until further adjustment). On the
other hand, if at any time the user wishes to cancel any
adjustment, a cancel icon 308A, 308B-1, 308B-2 may be selected.
In use, each of the user interfaces 300A, 300B-1, 300B-2 may be
displayed in a full-screen size. This may be accomplished by
utilizing a network browser (e.g. MS EXPLORER, etc.) via a
self-contained application (e.g. JAVA, XML, etc.), and/or any other
desired programming technique. By this design, the user interfaces
300A, 300B-1, 300B-2 may be operating system platform-independent,
and a user may be provided with instant feedback on the adjusting,
by displaying the adjusting. This feature is readily apparent by
comparing the user interfaces 300B-1, 300B-2 of FIGS. 3B-1 and
3B-2, whereby a user may monitor and fine tune the adjustment of
the timing in real-time. For example, a user may adjust the user
interface until the corner arrows thereof are visible and further
substantially coincide with corner edges of the visible screen,
with possibly a small amount of pixels therebetween.
As an option, the viewing experience may be capable of being
adjusted via remote control (e.g. see, for example, the remote
control 114 of FIG. 1, etc.). As mentioned previously, the remote
114 may be equipped with a plurality of directional/select keys
116. In such embodiment, a user may move a cursor among the
different icons using the directional keys of the remote control
and the select key may be used to select the particular key on
which the cursor currently resides. In the case of the slider bars
of FIGS. 3B-1 and 3B-2, selection of the same may allow the user to
move them using the directional keys. Thus, in the current
embodiment, a media remote control may be conveniently used to
adjust the viewing experience utilizing the user interface.
FIG. 4 shows a method 400 for adjusting a viewing experience
associated with a display device utilizing a user interface, in
accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the present method
400 may be implemented in the context of the architecture and
environment of FIGS. 1-3B-2. For example, the present method 400
may be carried out in the context of the user interfaces 300A,
300B-1, 300B-2 of FIGS. 3A, 3B-1, and 3B-2, respectively. Of
course, however, the method 400 may be implemented in any desired
environment.
As shown, a control panel (e.g. see, for example, the user
interfaces 300A, 300B-1, 300B-2 of FIGS. 3A, 3B-1, and 3B-2, etc.)
is displayed. Note operation 402. After the control panel is
displayed, adjustment of the viewing experience is permitted in
operation 403 via any desired mechanism (e.g. see, for example, the
adjustment icons 302A, 304A, 302B-1, 304B-1, 302B-2, 304B-2 of
FIGS. 3A, 3B-1, and 3B-2, etc.). Such adjustment may be repeated as
necessary, as noted by loop 405.
After a user is satisfied or dissatisfied with a current state of
the adjustment, a save operation 404 or cancel operation 406 may be
initiated for either saving or canceling any previous adjustments.
Thereafter, the control panel is closed. See operation 408.
FIGS. 5-6 show a display image before and after adjustment of the
viewing experience, for illustrating the manner in which a
visibility of the display image is increased. Specifically, FIG. 5
shows a display image with a portion thereof being cut off due to
the fact that the under-scanned display image extends beyond a
bezel of the display device. Further, FIG. 6 shows the display
image of FIG. 5 with the previously cut off portion now visible, by
adjusting a timing associated with the display image so that
additional pixels reside between the bezel and an edge of the
display image.
Thus, an under-scan amount may be selected when connecting, for
example, an HDTV to a computer via a component Y, Pr, Pb, and DVI,
in order to insert a black area around a border of a display image.
This may, in turn, force operating system controls (e.g. MS WINDOWS
desktop, etc.) to be viewable. For instance, if a CEA-861B timing
of 720 p is selected (with 0% under-scan), there may be an area cut
off by a display device bezel. At 7% under-scan, about 90 black
pixels may be inserted on the left and right edge of the display
image, and 50 black pixels may be inserted on the top and bottom of
the display image. This, in turn, causes the operating system
interface to appear to shrink in size and fit within the display
device bezel.
While various embodiments have been described above, it should be
understood that they have been presented by way of example only,
and not limitation. For example, any of the network elements may
employ any of the desired functionality set forth hereinabove.
Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be
limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but
should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *
References